A taste of Tudor in the city
A familiar sight to inner-city commuters, the former home of the Red Cross, is seeking a new owner.
Tenders close this week for 200 Willis St, which was originally listed on the market earlier in the year.
The Tudor-esque building, on the corner of Willis and Ghuznee streets, is surrounded by shops, apartments and offices.
Designed by prominent architect William Turnbull, the building has Category 1 heritage status, meaning it has special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value.
The building’s CV is $1.14 million but it is in need of earthquake strengthening.
According to the Historic Places Trust, its first owner of the building was an English doctor, Donald Johnstone McGavin who built the house in 1908.
Two doors at the front entrance either led into the surgery or his home.
McGavin came to New Zealand after serving in the Boer War, and was knighted in 1921 for his medical services in World War 1.
In 1947 the property was transferred to the New Zealand Red Cross Society on January 1947, and then to a merchant banker, Brian Stanley Alexander, in 1981.
James Higgie of Bayleys said the building was considered the finest example of its kind in Wellington.
Currently used as a mix of commercial offices and a residence, the interior retained many original features such as its wood panelling, staircase and fireplaces.
It boasts 10 bedrooms and Higgie said it had a variety of possible uses in commercial, residential or hospitality.
Plans and cost estimates had been prepared in respect to reroofing the property and earthquake strengthening.